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Review: Hieroglyphics, O2 Academy – ‘Vintage hip hop in its purest form’
In a night of lyrical mastery and hip hop nostalgia, the legendary Hieroglyphics collective brought the raw, unfiltered energy of the vibrant Oakland streets to the stage of Bristol’s O2 Academy.
Embarking on their highly anticipated debut UK and European tour, the entirety of the iconic crew was present: Del the Funky Homosapien, Souls of Mischief, Pep Love, Casual, and Domino.
Hieroglyphics have long been revered for their impact on the hip-hop landscape. Crafting a signature sound that delicately balances intricate wordplay alongside innovative, often jazz-infused instrumentals, the collective has cemented their status as pioneers of the hip hop genre.
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It is perhaps unsurprising that their Bristol debut drew a busy and passionate crowd, eager to witness the renowned crew demonstrate their artistic prowess live in action.
Emerging onto the stage, the group immediately set the tone, skilfully gliding through both the crew’s glowing discography alongside tracks from each of the individual members. The crowd took no time in matching the group’s energy, bouncing to each and every beat and repeating every lyric without prompt.
As each member is given the chance to flex their own lyrical muscles, Del the Funky Homosapien proved to be a real standout. In scenes that sent the crowd berserk, the MC performed his classic track Mistadobalina, interjecting to playfully announce to the crowd that he wrote the song back at his mother’s house when he was younger.
Performed live, the track sounds just as great today as it did back in the early 90s when it was originally released.
Del the Funky Homosapien takes centrestage
Perhaps regarded as the most recognisable member of the group, Del has gained acclaim for his extensive collaborations that extend beyond the confines of hip-hop.
Among his notable endeavours, his memorable contribution to Gorillaz’ Clint Eastwood stands out, where he effortlessly delivers intricate flows and sharp bars over the track’s signature beat.
As the rapper performed the track for the Bristol crowd, he garnered perhaps the most enthusiastic reaction of the night, eliciting screams from fans right from the opening note.
Another standout of the night was Souls of Mischief, making a triumphant return to the city after their own Bristol gig at Marble Factory just over a year ago,
The group’s debut album 93 ‘til Infinity is regularly lauded as one of hip-hop’s best, often praised for its funky instrumentals, charismatic bars and creative rhyme schemes.
As they performed the album’s title track – unquestionably the group’s most celebrated song – those in attendance can confidently attest to having witnessed vintage hip hop in its purest form.
Souls of Mischief’s album is championed as one of hip-hops greatest
Closing out the night, the entire Hieroglyphics collective came together to deliver a piece of hip hop history to the Bristol crowd.
Delivering a captivating journey through the depths of underground hip hop, the group layered thought-provoking lyricism and clever punchlines over Domino’s iconic production as they performed You Never Knew.
The clear highlight from the collective’s inaugural project 3rd Eye Vision, the track showcases each member at the pinnacle of their craft, with each bringing forth their distinct style and unwavering passion for the genre.
The collective came together to deliver their lyrical mastery to a passionate crowd
Sending the Academy’s crowd out into the Bristol night, one thing was clear: hip hop will never die.
While the unique sound pioneered by Hieroglyphics may have originated in the 90s, its timeless appeal resonates just as strongly in the present day. Long live Hieroglyphics; long live hip hop.
All photos: Josh Templeman
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